Swedish Apple Cake Recipe

Cozy Swedish Apple Cake Recipe for Sweet Fall Moments

Sweet memories of autumn baking swirl through this classic Swedish apple cake that brings comfort to every bite.

Generations have cherished this delightful dessert passed down through kitchens across Scandinavia.

Crisp apples nestled in a tender, buttery cake create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

The aroma of cinnamon and warm baked fruit fills the kitchen with irresistible warmth.

Soft crumbs and caramelized edges promise a delectable experience that connects you to traditional Nordic baking.

Each slice tells a story of simple ingredients transforming into something magical.

Gather your ingredients and let the baking adventure begin.

Why Swedish Apple Cake Deserves a Spot on Your Table

  • This Swedish apple cake recipe offers a straightforward approach that even novice bakers can master with ease. No complicated techniques or professional skills required.
  • Packed with warm spices and sweet apples, this dessert guarantees smiles around the table. Its rich caramel topping transforms a simple cake into a luxurious treat everyone will adore.
  • Perfect for casual family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend celebrations. Serve it warm with ice cream for an extra indulgent experience that elevates any occasion.
  • Showcases fresh apples at their peak, allowing home cooks to transform seasonal produce into a delectable dessert that captures autumn's essence and warmth.

Swedish Apple Cake Ingredient Essentials

Cake Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure to the cake.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and complexity to the cake's taste.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates a rich and tender texture in the cake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake's caramelization.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings a classic, aromatic flavor to the dessert.
Fruit and Optional Add-Ins:
  • Apples: Fresh diced apples add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
  • Chopped Nuts: Optional ingredient that provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Caramel Sauce Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Half & Half, Butter: Create a rich and smooth caramel sauce that adds a luxurious finish to the cake.

Easy Steps for Swedish Apple Cake

Easy Steps for Swedish Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Set your oven to 350°F.

Grease a 9-inch springform pan thoroughly to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine all dry ingredients in a medium bowl:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg

Whisk everything together until well blended.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

In a large bowl, blend butter and sugar using an electric mixer.

Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing completely after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet And Dry Mixtures

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into the creamy mixture.

Blend gently to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake heavy.

Step 5: Add Fresh Apples

Fold in diced apples and optional chopped nuts.

Distribute evenly throughout the batter to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Bake The Cake

Pour batter into the prepared pan.

Smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Create Caramel Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine:
  • Brown sugar
  • Half & half
  • Butter

Stir continuously over medium-low heat until the mixture becomes smooth and thick.

Avoid boiling or burning.

Step 8: Add Caramel Topping

Remove cake from oven and drizzle caramel sauce evenly across the top.

Return to oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until caramel sets.

Step 9: Cool And Serve

Let the cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes.

Remove springform pan sides.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Optional: Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Recipe Tips for Swedish Apple Cake

  • Choose crisp, firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor in your Swedish apple cake.
  • Toss diced apples with a bit of lemon juice to keep them from turning brown and maintain their vibrant appearance.
  • Fold ingredients softly to keep the cake light and airy, avoiding overmixing which can create a dense, tough texture.
  • Use the toothpick test to ensure perfect baking – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, indicating a perfectly baked cake.
  • Stir continuously while making the caramel sauce and watch the heat carefully to prevent burning, creating a smooth, rich topping.

Storage and Reheat Tips for Swedish Apple Cake

  • Store leftover Swedish Apple Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and maintain its moisture.
  • Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Preheat oven to 300°F, place cake slice on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Heat individual slices on 50% power for 20-30 seconds, checking to avoid overheating and maintain the cake's soft texture.

Perfect Pairings for Swedish Apple Cake

  • Pair Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Cool, smooth vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the warm, spiced Swedish apple cake, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
  • Brew Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: A freshly brewed cup of coffee with hints of cinnamon enhances the cake's warm spices, bringing out the nutmeg and cinnamon notes in the dessert.
  • Match Salted Caramel Liqueur: A small glass of salted caramel liqueur echoes the cake's caramel drizzle, intensifying the rich, sweet flavor profile and adding a sophisticated adult touch.
  • Select Warm Spiced Chai Tea: A fragrant chai tea with its complex spice blend beautifully harmonizes with the apple cake's warm, autumnal flavors, providing a cozy and comforting drinking experience.

Swedish Apple Cake Recipe Twists

  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy this sweet treat. Use almond flour or a pre-mixed gluten-free baking mix for best results.
  • Vegan Apple Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), and use plant-based milk in the caramel sauce. Choose a dairy-free whipped topping for serving.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Swap regular sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener. Reduce overall sugar content by using naturally sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji, and consider adding extra cinnamon for depth of flavor.
  • Nutty Protein Boost: Incorporate almond flour into the base recipe for added protein and texture. Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutritional value, creating a heartier version of the classic Swedish apple cake.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of apples for this cake?

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best texture and flavor.

  • Is it necessary to use a springform pan?

While a springform pan makes removal easier, you can use a regular cake pan. Just be sure to line it with parchment paper and grease it well to prevent sticking.

  • Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use one designed for baking to maintain the cake’s structure and texture.

  • How can I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom of the cake?

Toss the diced apples in a little flour before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking and ensures even distribution throughout the cake.

Print
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Swedish Apple Cake Recipe

Swedish Apple Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet Swedish apple cake delights dessert enthusiasts with its rustic charm and traditional Nordic flavors. Warm cinnamon and tender apples nestled in a buttery crumb invite you to savor a slice of comforting Scandinavian heritage.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups diced and peeled apples (approximately 2 large apples)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs

Cake Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Cake Wet Ingredients and Caramel Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/3 cups brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons half & half (or cream)
  • 4 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare oven at 350°F and coat a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray to ensure smooth cake release.
  2. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
  3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and airy, approximately 3-5 minutes. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough blending after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually integrate dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain cake’s delicate texture.
  5. Gently fold diced apples and optional nuts into the batter, distributing ingredients evenly throughout.
  6. Transfer batter to prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean.
  7. Create caramel sauce by heating brown sugar, half & half, and butter over medium-low heat. Stir constantly for 5-7 minutes until mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
  8. Remove cake from oven, drizzle caramel sauce across the top, then return to oven for an additional 10-15 minutes to set the caramel and complete baking.
  9. Let cake rest in pan for 15 minutes before removing springform sides. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in your cake.
  • Dust the diced apples with a little flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cake’s tender crumb.
  • Consider toasting nuts before adding them to enhance their flavor and provide a delightful crunch to the cake’s overall texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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